Tottenham’s difficult opening to the season took another turn for the worse as Liverpool’s much-changed side secured a 3-1 Carabao Cup victory at Anfield.
Goals from Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai sent Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool into the fourth round, while Conor Gallagher’s second-half effort provided only brief hope for Roberto de Zerbi’s struggling Spurs.
Both managers made major changes to their starting lineups. Liverpool changed 10 players from the team held to a goalless draw by Fulham on Saturday, with Ronald Araujo the only player retaining his place. Joe Gomez captained the hosts on his first appearance of the season.
Tottenham made eight changes following their own goalless draw against Everton. Former Liverpool defender Andy Robertson began on the bench on his first return to Anfield since leaving the club during the summer.
Spurs had an early opportunity to take the lead, but Giorgi Mamardashvili produced an excellent save to deny Lucas Bergvall.
Liverpool responded by going ahead after 21 minutes. The ball fell to Mac Allister on the edge of the penalty area and he calmly side-footed his effort into the top corner.
Tottenham wasted a major opportunity to equalise shortly after the half-hour mark when Mohammed Kudus fired over from close range.
That miss proved costly after the break. Liverpool produced a slick attacking move that ended with Mac Allister setting up Gakpo, who finished to double the home side’s advantage.
Robertson was then introduced from the Tottenham bench and received a standing ovation from the Anfield crowd.
Spurs finally found a breakthrough in the 69th minute when Gallagher converted from Mateus Fernandes’ corner. It was Tottenham’s first goal against Premier League opposition this season and their first since August 26, when they scored in the previous round of the competition.
The visitors came close to completing the comeback, but Mamardashvili made another impressive save to deny Omar Marmoush before Savio fired wide from inside the area.
Liverpool eventually settled the contest in injury time. Szoboszlai controlled the ball with his chest before unleashing a powerful 25-yard strike into the net.
The defeat means Tottenham have now lost three of their six matches in all competitions this season. Their only victory so far came against Charlton in the previous round of the Carabao Cup.
